Information ServicesVirtual Private Network (VPN)

Our Virtual Private Network (VPN) service enables you to access some protected on-campus resources from elsewhere.

Many University services are available to off-campus users through a web browser. Most of these services do not require users to be connected to the VPN to access them. You only need to use the VPN if you are off-campus and want to access a service which would only usually be available from a computer connected to the on-campus network (i.e. eduroam Wi-Fi, or a wired connection). Services which require off-campus users to connect to the VPN include T4, network drives and some license servers.

Remote Desktop connection

Some users may need to connect remotely to their on-campus computer/device to access some resources or perform some tasks. 
If you need remote access to your campus device, please see our Remote Desktop Protocol page for more information.

Recommended VPN software

The client software we recommend using to access the campus network via the VPN is FortiClient.

If you are using the University’s Managed Desktop Environment this will be made available automatically via the Software Centre.

To install the software on your personal computer, see the instructions below. Staff in academic departments should liaise with their faculty IT support teams.

Set up VPN on a mobile device

Set up VPN on Mac or Linux

Set up a VPN on a desktop computer

Step 1: Install VPN software on the computer you wish to connect from (i.e. your home computer)

  1. Go to the FortiClient website and select FortiClient > FortiClient 7.0 > Forticlient VPN Only.
  2. Select 'Windows' to download the FortiClient VPN application.
  3. Follow the steps in our FortiClient Install guide.
  4. Download the FortiClient profile file.
  5. Install the Forticlient package and start the application (a blue 'Forticlient' shield icon should appear on your desktop).
  6. Click the padlock icon to unlock, entering appropriate credentials. You will need to be a local administrator.
  7. Click the gear wheel icon to enter the settings menu, then click 'restore'.
  8. Select the 'FortiClientNov2020.conf' file that you downloaded in step 'b'.

Step 2: Start the VPN software

  1. Open the FortiClient application.
  2. Select 'General Strath VPN' from the drop-down list.
  3. Enter your DS username and password. You should now be connected to the VPN.

More help

Contact Information Services for help and advice about setting up or troubleshooting your VPN.